Nepal vs United Arab Emirates, 101st Match, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 (2023–27)., 1 May 2026.
Time: 9:15 AM IST (3:45 AM Local Time, Nepal) Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal.
The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur is known to be a batting‑friendly strip with just enough in it for the spinners to contain while the new‑ball bowlers can get some early movement. Recent reports from this venue suggest that the surface generally supports stroke‑making up front, with the ball getting a bit slower in the middle overs, which is why Nepal’s spin‑heavy attack has often looked so threatening here.
Weather forecasts for Kirtipur on match day indicate warm conditions, with daytime temperatures hovering around the low‑ to mid‑30s °C, moderate humidity, and no significant rain threat. The sky is expected to be mostly clear or partly cloudy, which means the contest will be played out under dry conditions and the pitch should offer consistent bounce.
Match importance and context
This 101st League 2 fixture is crucial in the context of both teams’ World Cup qualification journeys. Nepal and UAE have been locked in a tight mid‑table scrap, with neither side able to pull away comfortably from the pack. For Nepal, another win on home soil would strengthen their position and keep them in the conversation for a top‑three finish, while UAE will be desperate to halt a run of inconsistent results and push themselves back into the top‑half of the table.
Given the high‑stakes nature of League 2, this match is likely to be played with extra intensity. The familiarity between the two sides—having faced each other multiple times in recent years—means both camps will be well aware of each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities, making strategy and execution on the day vital.
NEP vs UAE Match Details
- Series: UAE Tour of Nepal 2026,
- Team: Nepal vs United Arab Emirates
- Date: 01 May , 2026
- Time: 08:45 AM
- Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal
NEP vs UAE Live streaming Info
Free live streams for Nepal vs UAE 1st T20I are available on select platforms depending on your location.
In Nepal
Tune into Kantipur TV Max HD via cable or check local apps like NetTV for free access to the live broadcast. This is the official channel partnered with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).
Globally
ICC.tv offers free registration and streaming in many regions, including Nepal and others without primary broadcasters—ideal for international fans seeking no-cost coverage.
India viewers can use FanCode (subscription-based), while avoid unofficial YouTube or social media links to dodge ads and risks. Check your region’s geo-blocks and use a VPN if needed for ICC.tv.
Live Streaming Info:
The ODI NEP vs UAE will be liveinfo on NPLT20League.com.
Live Score Info:
Nepal vs United Arab Emirates 2026: All matches on ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
Current form and recent momentum
Nepal have shown flashes of their explosive potential in recent outings, especially in the UAE‑tour‑of‑Nepal T20Is held at the same Kirtipur venue. In the 2026 T20I series, Nepal showcased solid batting depth and a reliable spin‑heavy attack, with Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee and Sandeep Lamichhane leading the charge.
UAE, on the other hand, have been a little more erratic: capable of posting big totals with Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem and Aayan Afzal Khan, but often found wanting in the field and at times brittle in the middle overs. Their recent League 2 encounters against Nepal have swung either way, with both teams alternating between victory and defeat in closely contested games.
Head‑to‑head summary
Across all formats, Nepal and UAE have developed a genuinely tight rivalry. In ODIs specifically, the two sides have met around 14–15 times, with Nepal holding a slight edge in wins (around 9 to UAE’s 6).
In T20Is, their head‑to‑head is even more evenly balanced, with both teams having registered multiple wins over each other. Recent meetings show that neither side dominates; instead, matches tend to be decided by fine margins, with Nepal often coming out on top in the last five encounters.
Team analysis – Nepal
Nepal’s biggest strength lies in their spin‑heavy attack, built around Sandeep Lamichhane and supported by part‑time or secondary spin options. This combination gives them control through the middle overs on turning or slowing pitches, which is exactly what Kirtipur often offers.
In the batting department, Nepal rely on a mix of explosive top‑order batters and a powerful middle order. Kushal Bhurtel and Kushal Malla are capable of quick starts, while Dipendra Singh Airee and Sundeep Jora bring both experience and finishing ability. The main concern for Nepal is consistency at the top and occasional over‑reliance on a few key batters; if they lose early wickets, the pressure can skew towards the lower‑middle order.
Team analysis – United Arab Emirates
UAE’s lineup is built around a strong top and middle order, with Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem, Junaid Siddique and Aayan Afzal Khan forming the spine of their batting. When these players fire, UAE can post formidable totals, especially in the 40‑over format.
Their bowling is a bit more mixed. The side has pace options and a sprinkling of spin, but the attack lacks the same consistency and penetration Nepal’s spin‑troop offers. Runs can leak in the middle overs, and UAE’s fielding has occasionally been below par, allowing Nepal to stay in matches they might otherwise have lost.
Recent key players form
For Nepal, Kushal Bhurtel and Kushal Malla have been the most consistent in the middle order, while Dipendra Singh Airee continues to be the go‑to finisher. Sandeep Lamichhane has maintained his wicket‑taking record, especially in the first and death overs of the T20 series against UAE.
For UAE, Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Jawadullah have been standout performers, with Alishan capable of blistering power‑hitting and Jawadullah anchoring the innings when needed. Captain Muhammad Waseem’s ability to rotate strike and keep the scoreboard ticking is also vital in tight chases.
Probable playing XIs
Nepal – Probable XI:
Dipendra Singh Airee (C), Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Aasif Sheikh (WK), Sundeep Jora, Arjun Saud, Nandan Yadav, Lokesh Bam, Shahab Alam, Sandeep Lamichhane, Hemant Dhami.
UAE – Probable XI:
Muhammad Waseem (C), Alishan Sharafu, Aayan Afzal Khan, Asif Khan, Aryansh Sharma, Junaid Siddique, Nilansh Keswani, Muhammad Jawadullah, Zahoor Khan, Ali Naseer, Sanchit Sharma.
Factoring in form, conditions and squad balance, Nepal enter this clash with a slight edge. The Kirtipur pitch, weather and Nepal’s home‑record all favour a side that trusts its spinners and has multiple batters capable of big‑hitting. UAE possess the firepower to chase any total, but their recent inconsistency and the presence of Nepal’s spin‑heavy attack may restrict their scoring flow in the middle overs.
A close, low‑mid‑200s total in the first innings is likely, with the game living and dying on how the middle order handles Sandeep Lamichhane and Shahab Alam. If Nepal can bat first and post 240–260, they will start as favourites; if UAE bat first and fire, they are still more than capable of taking the spoils. On balance, Nepal looks marginally ahead to win this 101st League 2 encounter, especially if they manage to restrict UAE to under 250 and then back it up with a solid chase.